The seditious conspiracy case against members and associates of the far-right Oath Keepers militia group marks the boldest attempt so far by the government to prosecute those who attacked the U.S. Capitol, invoking a rarely used charge that can be difficult to prove. AdvertisementIn the weeks leading up to the insurrection, the indictment alleged, Oath Keepers discussed trying to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, preparing for a siege by purchasing weapons and setting up battle plans. Authorities say several members of the Oath Keepers shouldered their way through the crowd Jan. 6 and into the Capitol in a military-style stack formation. Group members are accused of setting up “quick reaction force” teams that stationed weapons outside of Washington and were prepared to deliver arms to group members and associates if they believed the need arose. Rhodes did not enter the Capitol building on Jan. 6, but authorities say he was communicating with Oath Keepers outside on the Capitol grounds.

Source: Los Angeles Times January 16, 2022 05:10 UTC